Quality, Quantity Helps Darien VFW Land All-American Award

Ed Oldis may be 89 but the commander of Darien Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2838 does not plan on slowing down anytime soon.

The World War II veteran calls himself “well blessed” and said his involvement with the post helps him stay young.

“It’s been fun to be the commander for seven years,” he said. “I’ve got great companions in the post.”

What has Oldis energized most recently is the number of honors Post 2838 has received.

Besides achieving All-State Post honors, the second highest honor a post can receive, for membership and community action, members have also been honored with the prestigious All-American Post award, the highest honor bestowed to VFW posts in the United States. Post 2838 ranked first in the world in its division.

All-American status is designed to recognize outstanding units and is based on participation in VFW programs as well as membership gains by posts, districts and departments.

“I’m so honored we have that honor,” Oldis said.

From July 1, 2010, to June 30, 2011, Post 2838 grew from 102 members to 163, according to officials from Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S.

Darien VFW members credit a partnership with some younger members for helping the Darien post reach returning veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“We were stagnant for some time and then we were fortunate enough to have a couple of the younger fellows that kind of brought in some new energy,” said Jim Dongarra, junior vice commander of Post 2838 and a Vietnam War veteran.

But Dongarra doesn’t discount the vigor of their commander for his leadership.

Although Oldis is nearing his 10th decade, he passes up offers to ride in a vehicle in Darien’s Fourth of July parade each year, choosing instead to walk the route carrying the colors.

“And he leads us, marching the whole way,” Dongarra said. “He doesn’t miss a beat. We’re really proud of him.”

Like Oldis, interest in Post 2838 is also staying strong.

“We’re still signing up members,” Oldis said proudly.

He urges other veterans to join:

“It’s a great group.”

Find more information about Darien VFW Post 2838 on Facebook.